As the holidays grow closer, the nation's malls get busier and online stores pick up traffic, the American Red Cross is urging people to think about those in need this holiday season. As part of the 2012 American Red Cross Holiday Giving Campaign to help support the Red Cross mission, the organization is asking people to give something that means something through symbolic charitable gifts.

"Every year we struggle with what new ‘stuff' to buy our loved ones," said Jim McGee, CEO of the American Red Cross serving Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. "Instead of giving more ‘stuff,' our Red Cross Holiday Catalog provides a great opportunity to give a gift that makes a difference in the lives of others."

By visiting redcross.org/gifts, shoppers can browse symbolic gifts in a range of categories and prices to find gifts to suit the people on their shopping list. Popular items include:

• Blankets – Provides a warm blanket to children and families in shelters and those who are displaced due to disaster ($15/3 blankets)

• Full day of emergency shelter – Includes three meals, two blankets, one cot and personal supplies ($200/for a family of four)

• Military comfort kits – One kit includes toiletries, a robe, a phone card and more ($50/kit)

• Vaccinations – Provided to children worldwide through the Red Cross and its Measles Initiative partners ($25/25 children)